
Mayday at 40,000 Feet 1977
"A crippled plane. A crazed convict..."
A gripping 1977 TV movie thriller, *Mayday at 40,000 Feet* plunges viewers into a high-stakes battle for survival at 35,000 feet in the sky.
Director: Robert Butler
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Mayday at 40,000 Feet* (1977) about?
This intense 1977 TV movie follows the crew of a passenger jet after a marshal transporting a violent convict suffers a heart attack. The situation escalates when the prisoner seizes control of the plane's hydraulics and gun, turning a routine flight into a desperate struggle to keep the aircraft airborne.
Who directed *Mayday at 40,000 Feet*?
The film was directed by Robert Butler, known for his work in television and feature films during the 1970s.
Who stars in *Mayday at 40,000 Feet*?
The film features David Janssen, Don Meredith, Christopher George, Ray Milland, and Lynda Day George as the lead cast.
Is *Mayday at 40,000 Feet* (1977) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, this 1970s TV movie delivers solid suspense and a tight premise that keeps tension high. Fans of classic disaster films and high-altitude thrillers will appreciate its gritty atmosphere and tight pacing, even if it leans on familiar tropes.
How long is *Mayday at 40,000 Feet*?
The movie runs for 93 minutes.
Mayday at 40,000 Feet (1977): High-Flying Suspense in Classic TV Drama — Full Details
A gripping 1977 TV movie thriller, *Mayday at 40,000 Feet* plunges viewers into a high-stakes battle for survival at 35,000 feet in the sky. Directed by Robert Butler, this tense drama unfolds as a marshal transporting a dangerous convict suffers a heart attack mid-flight, leaving the plane's co-pilot and engineer to grapple with mechanical failure and a crazed gunman. The convict's erratic behavior sends the crew into a desperate fight against the odds to stabilize the crippled aircraft. With themes of courage under pressure and the fragility of human control, the film delivers relentless suspense and a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike.
Starring David Janssen as the resourceful co-pilot and Christopher George as the ruthless prisoner, the cast brings grit and intensity to this claustrophobic disaster narrative. Margaret Blye and Ray Milland round out the ensemble, grounding the chaos in moments of human emotion. Set against the confined corridors of a passenger jet, *Mayday at 40,000 Feet* blends action and drama to create a pulse-pounding experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.